While laws vary some from state to state, in MOST of the US a private citizen may sell a handgun to another pivate citizen that is resident of the same state. This does not have to pass thru a firearms dealer, and might meet the definition of "off the record" since no laws in tose states require a record. However, if you are buying from a dealer, the dealer must maintain a record of the sale. Please note- only applies to face-to-face sales between two residents of the same state.